Status, distribution and aspects of ecology of monal (Lophorus impeyanus) in Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India

The Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus), state bird of Uttarakhand is also the national Nepal. conservation priority species due to nine coloured distributed throughout higher altitude Himalayas and bright feather, they have been exploited for feather as well meat purposes. This in its entire range because declining population anthropogenic threats. facing greatest threat extinction poaching habitat degradation. Out 17 Pheasant that occur India are protected from capture by international legislation. Due decrease recognised Schedule I Wildlife Protection Act (1972). However, it highly desirable status, distribution, threats monal pheasant should be given importance. To understand status distribution preference an intensive study was carried out. Surveys were conducted at 6 high sites Garhwal including Kedarnath sanctuary Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, between altitudinal 2500m 4000m a.s.l. direct indirect methods used found number faecal group maximum Himtoli (2.64±2.2) followed Madh Maheshwer (0.96±1.29), Saukhark (0.75±1.4). For sighting sighted Tungnath (0.26±0.59), Bansinarayan (0.14±.43), (0.14±0.44). No sightings recoded Himtoli. illegal destruction has declined now confined a few small fragmented patches needs urgent attention conservation.